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- Title
- EXPERIMENTAL EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON BODY DISSATISFACTION AND EATING PATHOLOGY: UPWARD VERSUS DOWNWARD COMPARISONS
- Creator
- Badillo, Krystal Elizabeth
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Research has been limited in assessing the different impacts of social media platforms on body dissatisfaction, apart from Facebook. In...
Show moreResearch has been limited in assessing the different impacts of social media platforms on body dissatisfaction, apart from Facebook. In addition, most studies have measured social media use by only assessing time. This study aimed to test experimental effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction (BD) and desire to engage in eating behaviors. In addition, a mediation model was tested of the association between social media use and BD via social comparison. Participants viewed one of two live public Instagram profiles and were asked questions that facilitated individuals comparing their appearance to the Instagram profile. A total of 74 women completed questionnaires regarding social media use, body image, and eating disorder psychopathology. It was found that regardless of condition, desire to eat decreased after profile views, but there was no change in BD. The mediation model suggests that there was a significant indirect effect of increased BD and importance of Instagram through social comparison. Results suggest that, contrary to earlier work, overall social media use may not negatively impact BD as previously thought. Rather, it appears that trait level factors such as social comparison negatively influence BD while using social media.
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- Title
- Overvaluation of Weight and Shape Among Weight Loss Surgery Candidates
- Creator
- Hecht, Leah Marie
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Overvaluation of shape and weight is a measure of the degree to which an individual’s self-evaluation is influenced by their shape and weight....
Show moreOvervaluation of shape and weight is a measure of the degree to which an individual’s self-evaluation is influenced by their shape and weight. Among individuals with eating disorders, this construct has been associated with elevated levels of eating pathology and psychological distress. Similarly, weight loss surgery candidates often report high levels of eating pathology, including loss of control eating, in addition to elevated levels of depression. Although studies have found poorer outcomes among those who endorse overvaluation of shape and weight in addition to loss of control eating as compared to those who deny overvaluation of shape and weight, the degree to which overvaluation of shape and weight is associated with disordered eating pathology, depression, psychosocial functioning, and self-esteem among weight loss surgery candidates has not been examined. The goals of the current study were to further elucidate these associations, including the degree to which frequency of loss of control eating episodes mediates associations. Data were analyzed from 88 individuals seeking bariatric surgery. Overvaluation of shape and weight was highly prevalent, with approximately 49% of the sample endorsing their weight and/or shape had a significant impact on their self-evaluation. The results of correlational analyses supported a link between overvaluation of shape and weight and higher levels of eating pathology, including more frequent loss of control eating episodes and disordered eating attitudes, in addition to poorer psychosocial functioning as indicated by greater psychosocial impairment, depression, and lower self-esteem. While frequency of loss of control eating episodes partially mediated associations between overvaluation of shape and weight and global eating pathology, it was not a significant mediator of the associations between overvaluation of shape and weight and shape/weight concerns, weight-related psychosocial functioning, self-esteem, or depression. These findings underscore the importance of assessing pre-surgical levels of overvaluation of shape and weight among individuals seeking bariatric surgery and suggest the importance of evaluating these attitudes and behaviors following surgery.
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- Title
- Disclosure of Mental Illness in Workplace Settings
- Creator
- Fominaya, Adam W
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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People considering disclosure of their mental illness in the workplace have tonavigate a complex set of competing pressures to arrive at a...
Show morePeople considering disclosure of their mental illness in the workplace have tonavigate a complex set of competing pressures to arrive at a disclosure decision. Existingmodels of disclosure fail to adequately consider the role of stigma, cannot be adequatelytested with measures currently in existence, and tend to ask participants about disclosureretrospectively. These limitations were addressed using a new path model which employsmeasures currently in existence, includes stigma, and assesses disclosure motivation inindividuals who have not disclosed at work. A national sample of 365 participants wererecruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk Marketplace (MTurk). While thehypothesized model achieved poor fit, important findings from the models tested hereprovide clear direction for future research.
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- Title
- Language, Negative Affect, and Aggression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Creator
- Dreher, Taylor
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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The goal of the present study was to use ecological momentary assessment to examine factors that predict aggression in children with Autism...
Show moreThe goal of the present study was to use ecological momentary assessment to examine factors that predict aggression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In particular, this study sought to investigate the situation-level and person-level factors that predict the severity of children’s aggressive episodes. At the situation-level, we predicted that children would show more severe aggression after experiencing a negative affective state. At the person-level, we hypothesized that children with better grammatical and pragmatic language abilities would demonstrate less severe aggressive behavior. In addition, we predicted that language abilities would moderate the association between negative affect and aggression. We were unable to test these hypotheses due to a floor effect in the outcome variable. Thus, we conducted a series of analyses to examine how variables of interest were associated with the presence of aggressive behavior. We found an association between negative affect and aggression, such that children who experienced higher levels of negative affect were more likely to engage in aggressive behavior. However, there was not a significant relationship between language abilities and the presence of aggression. In addition, there was no evidence for a moderation effect. Future studies should examine other variables that may moderate or mediate the association between negative affect and aggression in children with ASD.
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- Title
- Comparing Complex Network and Latent Factor Models of Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Creator
- Smetter, Joseph
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Research on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has produced several etiologicalmodels of SAD symptomatology, including a common cause model...
Show moreResearch on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has produced several etiologicalmodels of SAD symptomatology, including a common cause model that conceptualizessymptoms as the result of a single underlying disease process, and the Dual VulnerabilityModel (Young et al., 1991) which posits that psychological symptoms of depressionfollow the onset of vegetative symptoms (e.g. hypersomnia, increased appetite) inindividuals with a vulnerability to seasonal changes. Studies of the structure of SADsymptomatology have been limited in their ability to evaluate these models. This studyused exploratory factor analysis and network analysis to examine baseline winter SADsymptoms (using a modified BDI-II) in 177 adults participating in a randomizedcontrolled trial of light treatment and CBT for SAD (Rohan et al., 2015). The factoranalysis supported a four-factor model that included negative cognition/affect, loss ofvitality, dysregulation, and increases in weight/appetite. The complex network model ofSAD conceptualized the network as a system of interacting symptoms. Results of thenetwork model paralleled those of the factor analysis in producing four communities ofinter-correlated symptoms. In addition to the full symptom network, a directed acyclicgraph was constructed to model causal relations between symptoms. Results suggest thatvegetative symptoms (loss of vitality and appetite/weight) lead ultimately to cognitivesymptoms, with intermediate effects of dysregulation symptoms. This partially supportsthe Dual Vulnerability model. Findings from the factor analysis and the network analysisare compared, and their implications for and treatment of SAD is discussed.
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- Title
- Exploring the experience of work-family conflict among low-wage, immigrant workers
- Creator
- Pickett, Meghan
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Work-family conflict is a well-studied and long-standing construct; however, there is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the construct...
Show moreWork-family conflict is a well-studied and long-standing construct; however, there is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the construct when it is applied to minority populations. The current study considered a unique group who sit at an intersection of challenges – low-wage, immigrant workers – to identify if traditional antecedents were predictive in this new group. Additional conceptualizations of work-family conflict are also considered. Results suggest that typical antecedents do not display the same significance and that alternative measures of work-family conflict should be considered. Conclusions and implications to the study of work-family conflict research are discussed.
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- Title
- Testing Relational Proximity as a Moderator of Associations Between Marital Satisfaction and Health
- Creator
- Yoder, Wren
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Individuals with high marital satisfaction tend to have better health and engage in healthier behaviors than those with low marital...
Show moreIndividuals with high marital satisfaction tend to have better health and engage in healthier behaviors than those with low marital satisfaction. Multiple studies have explored satisfaction-health associations for married individuals in proximal relationships (PR), but no known study has tested these associations for married individuals in long distance relationships (LDR). LDR is a relationship arrangement that challenges traditional conceptions of romantic relationships and physical closeness. Related, recent empirical work indicates marital satisfaction-health associations may be weaker in LDR than PR due to unique relational and individual factors. The current study tested whether marital satisfaction-health associations are moderated by relational proximity (i.e. LDR vs. PR). We used an adult, married sample of individuals in LDR and PR (N=293) who completed an online survey on relationships and health. Unexpectedly, moderation results suggested that associations between marital satisfaction and health did not differ by relational proximity. One potential difference emerged: Marital satisfaction was associated with satisfaction with functioning for those in PR, but not LDR. Overall, study findings challenge recent empirical work reporting between-group, relationship-health differences between PR and LDR. Clinicians can utilize our findings to improve treatment for couples and families in LDR. Future research should utilize actor-partner interdependence models and longitudinal studies to further elucidate the associations between marital satisfaction and health for individuals in this unique but increasingly prevalent relationship arrangement.
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- Title
- Buried in stigma: Experimental investigation of the impact of hoarding depictions in reality television on public perception
- Creator
- Bates, Sage
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Hoarding disorder (HD) has been newly classified as a distinct mental disorder and is a considerable public health concern. Treatment...
Show moreHoarding disorder (HD) has been newly classified as a distinct mental disorder and is a considerable public health concern. Treatment ambivalence is a problem in this clinical population, and stigma of HD may be one potential factor contributing to an unwillingness to seek treatment. However, stigma of HD has been understudied, despite the media often perpetuating severe and negative representations of individuals with HD. This study is the first to investigate experimentally the impact of a popular reality television show on attitudes and beliefs about individuals with HD. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions in which they watched popular television shows with varying degrees of clutter: Hoarders (high clutter depiction), Clean House (medium clutter depiction), and House Hunters (low clutter depiction). Participant attitudes and beliefs were evaluated before and after the episode viewing. Results of the study showed that participants who viewed A&E’s Hoarders desired more social distance from individuals with HD—an index of stigma—after viewing the television show, compared to the other groups. The interaction effects of two additional indices of stigma based on watching Hoarders approached statistical significance. There were also significant effects found for other indices of stigma. The present experimental study contributes to the very small body of research investigating stigma of HD and possible causes of treatment ambivalence in individuals living with HD.
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- Title
- Witnesses with Disabilities in Court: Differences in Mock Jurors' Perceptions of Credibility Between Disability Groups and Juror Factors Associated with Credibility Perceptions
- Creator
- Stevenson, Rebekah
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Individuals with disabilities face multiple barriers and vulnerabilities in society, including violent crime victimization at a rate nearly 2...
Show moreIndividuals with disabilities face multiple barriers and vulnerabilities in society, including violent crime victimization at a rate nearly 2-3 higher than that of the general population. Despite these disproportionately higher rates of victimization, crimes committed against individuals with disabilities rarely result in criminal prosecution and conviction. One possible explanation for such a discrepancy is that jurors perceive individuals with disabilities as less credible witnesses than witnesses from the general population.The present study used a modified Credibility Comparisons Questionnaire to identify differences in potential juror perceptions of credibility between specific disability groups, including witnesses with intellectual disability and witnesses with deafness. Additionally, the study aimed to identify juror characteristics that may be associated with credibility perceptions. The survey was administered to 114 potential jurors recruited through SurveyMonkey Audience. The data were analyzed using a one-way within-subjects ANOVA and multiple regression analyses.The results of the study suggest that potential jurors may perceive witnesses with intellectual disability as less credible overall than witnesses with deafness and typical adult witnesses. Additionally, potential jurors may perceive witnesses with deafness as more accurate and less suggestible than witnesses with intellectual disability and typical adult witnesses. These findings highlight the important role rehabilitation psychologists may play in providing education to legal professionals and jurors regarding a witness’ abilities and limitations, as well as providing techniques to help witnesses compensate for specific deficits so that they are not precluded from testifying in court.
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- Title
- The Impact of Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Stigma on STI Testing Intention among College Students
- Creator
- Thomas, Julia
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Young people (ages 15-24) account for over half of the new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States (CDC...
Show moreYoung people (ages 15-24) account for over half of the new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States (CDC, 2016). The current study examined how knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma are associated with STI testing intention among sexually active college students using path model analysis. Data were collected via an online survey (N = 76, 54% female). STI testing intention was measured using a 5-point Likert scale for eight STIs referenced in the Brief Sexual History Tool (CDC, 2018). These items comprised an intention scale with high internal consistency for this sample (α = .97). Path analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS and MacKinnon’s ab product approach in RMediation was used to test mediating effects. The predicted path model fit the data well and the relationships between self-efficacy and knowledge, label avoidance, and intention were significant. Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect paths for knowledge and label avoidance on STI testing intention through self-efficacy. These findings indicate that self-efficacy directly impacts college students’ STI testing intention, while knowledge and label avoidance indirectly impact intention through self-efficacy. Findings suggest that providers and college health clinics may be able to increase the frequency of STI testing behavior by promoting strategies to increase students’ self-efficacy.
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- Title
- Emotion Regulation Flexibility and Eating Pathology
- Creator
- Dougherty, Elizabeth
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Research suggests that individuals with eating disorders use more maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in response to emotional distress....
Show moreResearch suggests that individuals with eating disorders use more maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in response to emotional distress. However, these studies do not consider that the efficacy of emotion regulation strategies vary across situations. Recent evidence suggests that healthy emotion regulation is characterized by an ability to flexibly choose between emotion regulation strategies across changing contexts. Despite evidence supporting this conceptualization of healthy emotion regulation, no research has investigated it in relation to eating pathology. This study examined whether eating pathology and difficulties in emotion regulation were associated with emotion regulation choice patterns and flexibility. Female college students (N = 50) completed self-report questionnaires and a laboratory-based emotion regulation choice task to assess emotion regulation flexibility. Generalized estimating equations indicated that individuals with higher levels of eating pathology displayed similar emotion regulation choice patterns and flexibility as those with low levels of eating pathology. Individuals who displayed specific types of emotion regulation difficulties (i.e., emotional clarity, emotional awareness and impulse control difficulties) displayed different emotion regulation choice patterns and flexibility compared to individuals without such difficulties. These results suggest that specific difficulties in emotion regulation have a greater influence on emotion regulation choice patterns and flexibility than eating pathology.
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- Title
- The Moderating Role of Goal Orientation In Gamified Instruction : An Extension of The Theory of Gamified Learning
- Creator
- Garcia Marquez, Caribay
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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Despite the increasing interest in gamification, a review of the gamification literature by Seaborn and Fels (2015) found that very few...
Show moreDespite the increasing interest in gamification, a review of the gamification literature by Seaborn and Fels (2015) found that very few articles addressed the connection between theoretical considerations and empirical findings. Landers (2014) developed the theory of gamified learning to provide researchers with a framework to explore the effect of gamification on learning outcomes. The present study empirically tested the mediational process of Lander’s (2014) theory of gamified learning as well as proposed and tested an extension to examine the moderating role of an individual difference. Specifically, this study explored the moderating role of goal orientation on the mediational pathway from Assessment game attributes (i.e., badge, progress bar and combined) to self-efficacy to learning outcomes (i.e., declarative knowledge, skill demonstration and job-search self-efficacy). A gamified resume course was developed for this study on a gamification platform called Gametize. Participants were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and instructed to respond to a pre-course questionnaire containing demographic information and the goal orientation assessment, they were then directed to the Gametize website to complete the gamified resume course after which they were re-directed to Qualtrics to complete a post-course questionnaire collecting job-search self-efficacy measures. Results show there was insufficient evidence to support the predictions based on the theory of gamified learning, and moreover the hypothesized moderating effect of goal orientation. Nonetheless, an interesting outcome of this study was the significant interaction of the badge condition with LGO and APGO, suggesting badges can help improve self-efficacy in a gamified learning experience. A unique contribution of this study is a blueprint for examining individual differences as an extension of the theory of gamified learning. Practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
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- Title
- Factor Analysis of a Stigma Measure for Adults with Autism
- Creator
- Beedle, Robert Brian
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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This study evaluates a measurement tool for public stigma of adults with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability...
Show moreThis study evaluates a measurement tool for public stigma of adults with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting individuals’ sensory experiences, behaviors, and social interactions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Current literature has examined public stigma of ASD through qualitative methods and select attitude and social distance scales, consistently reporting lower levels of negative attitudes when disclosure of ASD diagnosis is provided (Gray, 2002; Hennegan, 2010; Obeid et al, 2015). Other research suggests adults with ASD frequently experience stigma and discrimination in their daily lives across settings (MacLeod, Lewis, & Roberson, 2013; Nicolaidis et al, 2015; Thibault, 2014). Previous research has not examined whether known processes of stigma (i.e., Attribution Theory, Danger Appraisal models) are applicable to understanding the stigma reported by this population. In the current study a commonly used measure of the stigma of mental illness (Attribution Questionnaire 27) was administered to determine its psychometric properties when applied to adults with ASD. Examination of a previous measurement model for this questionnaire on a sample of participants (N = 160) indicated lack of model fit. A larger sample (N = 306) was collected to determine the data-driven factor structure of this measure. A series of exploratory factor analyses indicates a three-factor, 24-item solution that displays strong psychometric properties, as well as convergent validity with other measures of attitudes towards disabilities and ASD. Results of this study suggest additional need to research the topic of stigma towards adults with ASD.
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- Title
- The Impact of a Parent Education Program on Parent Expectations for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Creator
- James, Megan
- Date
- 2019
- Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine if parent psychoeducation about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts parents’ short-term and/or...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if parent psychoeducation about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts parents’ short-term and/or long-term expectations for their children with ASD. The impact of parent psychoeducation on parents' expectations for their children with ASD was assessed. Research has demonstrated that a parent’s engagement in their child’s therapy impacts the effectiveness of that intervention. Given the importance of parents’ engagement in therapy, it is clinically relevant to identify the variables that may influence a parent’s level of engagement. Working from the framework of Bandura’s expectation theory, the ability to assess and intervene on expectations would likely have a positive influence on parental engagement. Participants attending parent psychoeducation and parents on a waitlist for parent psychoeducation completed expectations questionnaires before and after parent psychoeducation. Results of a 2x2 (group x time) mixed factorial ANOVA did not support the hypotheses that expectations changed over time as a function of completing parent psychoeducation. These results are discussed in terms of potential adjustments to current parent psychoeducation curriculum or additional variables that may be of interest to better improve (i.e. increase) parent expectations.
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- Title
- THE RELATION BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND TRAIT ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AND MATERNAL UTTERANCES DURING SONOGRAM PROCEDURES
- Creator
- Hamilton, Catharine Elizabeth
- Date
- 2018
- Description
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The present study examines the relation between depression and trait anxiety symptoms and women’s utterances during a routine ultrasound...
Show moreThe present study examines the relation between depression and trait anxiety symptoms and women’s utterances during a routine ultrasound procedure in the second trimester of pregnancy. Participants included a diverse group of 70 women seeking prenatal care at an academic medical center in the Midwestern United States. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) depression subscale and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), trait form were used to assess symptoms of depression and trait anxiety, respectively. Audio and video of participants’ faces during the ultrasound examination were used to assess the content, sentiment, and number of utterances. Results of regression analyses indicated that higher levels of depression symptoms were significantly related to a lower proportion of fetus-related utterances to total utterances. Higher levels of depression symptoms and trait anxiety were significantly related to a lower proportion of positive fetus-related utterances to total fetus-related utterances, after controlling for gestational age. Higher levels of depression symptoms were significantly related to a higher proportion of negative-fetus-related utterances to total fetus-related utterances, after controlling for education. These findings suggest that pregnant women who are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety may exhibit certain types and patterns of utterances during routine prenatal sonogram procedures. Thus, observation of pregnant women’s naturalistic speech may provide helpful supplemental information to the traditional self-report measure in screening for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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- Title
- Maternal-Fetal Attachment: Does it predict parenting outcomes?
- Creator
- Desai, Shivani S.
- Date
- 2018
- Description
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Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) predicts critical aspects of the caregiver-child relationship, including parental sensitivity and engagement....
Show moreMaternal-fetal attachment (MFA) predicts critical aspects of the caregiver-child relationship, including parental sensitivity and engagement. However, little is known about the relation between MFA and specific parenting beliefs and attitudes that contribute to these positive parenting behaviors, such as parenting sense of competence and parenting stress. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine if MFA predicts specific domains of parenting sense of competence and parenting stress when children are two years of age. Participants included 53 mainly Caucasian women with a mean age of 33.9 years. MFA was assessed during pregnancy (mean gestational age = 27.02 weeks) using the Maternal Fetal Attachment Questionnaire. Parenting sense of competence and stress were assessed when the children were 2 years of age with the Parenting Sense of Competence questionnaire and the Parenting Stress Index questionnaire. Results of regression analyses indicated that higher levels of MFA significantly predicted higher levels of parenting satisfaction, a domain of parenting sense of competence. They also indicated that higher levels of MFA predicted lower levels of two domains of parenting stress, including stress associated with attachment and role restriction. These findings suggest that prenatal attachment is important to assess during pregnancy, as it may predict future parenting beliefs and attitudes, including sense of competence and stress.
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- Title
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Depression
- Creator
- Antler, Caroline
- Date
- 2020
- Description
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Almost half of individuals in the US struggling with depression never seek treatment and, of those that do, over half receive inadequate care....
Show moreAlmost half of individuals in the US struggling with depression never seek treatment and, of those that do, over half receive inadequate care. Although the efficacy of CBT for MDD is well established, the rate of individuals receiving psychotherapy has declined. With copious evidence supporting the effectiveness of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of pharmaceuticals, the current study evaluated the potential utility of DTCA of CBT for MDD.One hundred seventy-eight adults with (a) prior exposure to DTCA for antidepressants and (b) no mental health diagnoses or treatment were randomly assigned to view one of three video conditions: CBT for depression (CBT, n = 60), CBT plus information on antidepressants (CBT+MED, n = 58), or Control (arthritis and diabetes Public Service Announcements (PSAs); n = 60). After viewing the video participants completed measures of attitudes about, and willingness to engage in, CBT and antidepressant medication. The study was conducted online with participants being recruited through Prolific and the survey created via Qualtrics.Compared to controls, participants viewing CBT DTCA videos (with or without information on antidepressants) were more willing to engage in CBT, had less public and self-stigma associated with CBT, and believed CBT has less potential for harm. Compared to the CBT group, the CBT+MED group reported greater concern about the risks of disclosing personal information in a therapy setting.These results extend previous findings by applying the DTCA marketing style to a specific diagnosis and type of therapy. Findings indicate that DTCA-style ads for CBT for MDD can be effective in reducing stigma and increasing treatment willingness. They further suggest that DTCA-style marketing of evidence-based psychotherapies can be efficacious when created for specific treatments and disorders. The findings have substantial implications for public health and the dissemination of evidence-based practice.
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- Title
- Exploring Growth After Vision Loss
- Creator
- BANGLE, MELISSA
- Date
- 2020
- Description
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Despite recent advances in our knowledge of positive growth following the onset of chronic illness or disability, little to no effort has been...
Show moreDespite recent advances in our knowledge of positive growth following the onset of chronic illness or disability, little to no effort has been made to understand how the phenomenon of growth might be experienced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This not only limits our understanding of how growth is experienced, but also our understanding of the experiences associated with vision loss. This qualitative study explores the perspectives and experiences of growth held by 35 adults with acquired disability due to severe vision impairment and blindness. Additionally, participants discussed their views on how growth can be experienced within the context of adjusting to vision loss. Results indicate that some individuals do experience positive psychological growth after vision loss which can lead to positive changes in one’s life. They also demonstrate that the structure of growth after vision loss shares some similarities with existing growth models like the model for Post Traumatic Growth. Results also suggest that growth may be an outcome of becoming well-adjusted to vision loss; although, the nature of the transition from adjustment to growth remains less clear. Specific factors that may facilitate growth are explored and implications for facilitation of successful adjustment and growth in the context of vision rehabilitation are discussed.
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- Title
- Correlating Veterans' Employment Status by Analysis of Recovery from the Recovery Assessment Scale-Short Form
- Creator
- Avezuela-Perez, Margaret
- Date
- 2020
- Description
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Past research has examined the low employment rates in veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) (Zivin et al., 2011) and the research...
Show morePast research has examined the low employment rates in veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) (Zivin et al., 2011) and the research suggests that the benefits of employment for veterans are improved mental health symptoms, better finances, and better self-esteem (Bond et al., 2001). The specific relationship between employment and recovery from SMI in individuals has been examined (Drake et al., 2001; Bond et al., 2001; Modini et al., 2016). Previous research has not examined the correlation between recovery from SMI and employment, specifically in a population of veterans with SMI. The current study examines the relationship between recovery and employment of veterans with SMI, using the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) as a measure of recovery. A logistic regression analysis yielded that no relationship was found between recovery and employment status. Results of this study suggest there may be other factors affecting the relationship between these two factors. Moreover, there is the possibility that there is no relationship between recovery and employment.
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- Title
- Is emotion regulation a mediator between parenting skills and treatment outcome in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?
- Creator
- Butler, Kristina
- Date
- 2020
- Description
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Disruptive behavior disorders are prevalent in preschool children and are associated with a range of negative developmental sequelae. There is...
Show moreDisruptive behavior disorders are prevalent in preschool children and are associated with a range of negative developmental sequelae. There is extensive evidence that Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an effective behavioral parent training program for decreasing disruptive behaviors in young children. However, the mechanism that accounts for the reduction in externalizing behaviors in PCIT is not well understood. Children’s emotion regulation (ER) is one possible mechanism that accounts for treatment effectiveness. Parenting skills focused on in PCIT serve to increase warmth in caregiver-child interactions, which, in turn, lead to increases in children’s ER skills. ER also has been shown to moderate externalizing behaviors in PCIT. However, to date, there are no longitudinal studies that have examined ER as a mediator in PCIT. The aim of this study was to determine if child ER serves as a mediator between changes in parenting skills and decreases in externalizing behavior problems after PCIT treatment. A diverse sample of 67 children and their mothers participated in PCIT treatment in a community mental health center. All variables were assessed twice, at baseline and after treatment. Positive parenting skills (“Do Skills”) and negative ones (“Don’t Skills”) were assessed during a video recorded 5-minute task using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System. Child ER was assessed during a video recorded 5-minute clean-up task with a behavioral coding scheme adapted from previous research. Child behavior problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist Externalizing Scale. Difference scores used in the final analyses were calculated by subtracting the baseline score from the final assessment score for each measure.Results of linear regression analyses revealed a significant, negative relation between changes in ER and externalizing behavior problems. Findings did not support ER as a partial mediator between parenting skills and child externalizing problems. However, moderation analyses indicated that change in ER moderated the relation between change in positive parenting skills (Do Skills) and change in behavior problems, such that the interaction was significant for greater changes in ER. Specifically, increases in Do Skills led to less improvement in disruptive behaviors in children whose ER skills decreased. Also, increases in Do Skills led to greater reductions in behavior problems in children whose ER skills showed greater improvement. This study provides evidence that change in ER moderates changes in Do Skills and change in externalizing problems in PCIT. Findings also suggest that adding strategies to PCIT that focus on increasing child ER may enhance effectiveness of this treatment.
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